The US Virgin Island of St.Thomas is part of the larger group of the Virgin Islands which are divided between the US and British Overseas Territory. This small island measures just 31 square miles yet it is home to around 51,000 people. It’s a popular tourist destination thanks to its location on the Caribbean Sea and easy access from the US mainland. There is no visa required for US citizens but you will need a valid passport. It’s also possible to fly direct from San Juan in Puerto Rico.
Despite its size there is still one land based casino on the island. Hawkstone Hotel & Casino offers both hotel accommodation as well as gaming options. If that seems limited, there are many other options if you’re happy to play online while you’re there. We have all the info you need about gambling laws, taxes and of course where to find the best real money apps and sites for players in St.Thomas.
Online Gambling in St Thomas
St.Thomas forms part of the US Virgin Islands and as such, is covered by their gambling laws. Fortunately these laws are very liberal and you are able to enjoy both local and international online gaming sites while you’re visiting. Even better news is that you do not need to visit a St.Thomas IP addressfinder to access these sites and you won’t be broken the law if you use a computer or device with an overseas IP address.
Our expert team has spent time seeking out the top international operators that accept players from this island paradise. You’ll find our recommended sites listed below. Each one is completely safe to play at and holds the appropriate licenses to verify the games are fair and payouts are random. They offer a wide range of games, big welcome bonuses and easy banking methods too.
Best Online Casinos in St Thomas
#1.
Bovada
$3 ,750 Welcome Bonus
PayPal Casino Sites That Accept New Players in December 2023#2.
MyBookie
100% Up To $1,000 Welcome Bonus
#3.
BetOnline
100% up to $1000
Medium
Withdrawal Time:
1 day
WHY PLAY HERE
Well established US brand
Top game developers
Live casino, horse racing
Mobile app
Medium
Withdrawal Time:
1 day
WHY PLAY HERE
- Quick payouts
- Lots of promos
- Mobile-friendly games
Medium
Withdrawal Time:
1-2 days
WHY PLAY HERE
- Great All-in-One Brand
- Amazing Promotions
- Top Software Providers
You can see from the table above that each site has something unique to offer players in St.Thomas. Of course, we’ve only been able to choose three, but don’t worry if one of those stands out for you. They are all perfectly suited to players in this part of the world and come highly recommended. Before you sign up, it’s important to check that they are accessible from St.Thomas and that you can deposit and withdraw using your preferred local currency.
Is It Safe to Play At Online Casinos in St Thomas?
Online casinos should always be played for fun when you visit, however, sometimes that fun can lead to losing money. So, before you start playing with real cash, we want to make sure you stay safe online. The good news is that the US Virgin Islands does not currently levy any income tax, so whatever you win online will be yours to keep. However, any winnings from gambling, including the lottery, are subject to a 5% selective excise tax.
To pay this tax, the operator will withhold the amount and send it directly to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). This means that it’s not your responsibility to pay this tax, so don’t be alarmed if a large chunk is missing from a big jackpot win.
There are some responsible gambling provisions in place in the US Virgin Islands, including a legal age limit to gamble which is 21 years old. Operators are required to verify the age of customers and ask about gambling history during account setup. Age and identity documents must be verified before an account is allowed to function.
Anyone who feels they are at risk from problem gambling can self-exclude from all forms of gambling both online and in land based casinos. Further help and support is available from institutions like the BIR and Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA).
best app to play pokerSo long as you play at one of our recommended sites, you can be confident that the casino is entirely safe. We carry out a range of security checks before we add any online casino to our listings. These include checking for secure sockets layer encryption – the technical term for a site being totally secure. We also test games to make sure they are fair and payout regularly, check for a valid license and ensure there are some independent customer reviews available online.
How to Choose the Best Site
We carried out a full review of the best gaming sites for US Virgin Islands players. Our expert review team looked at a range of factors in order to rank them. Here are some of the key considerations to make when choosing the right site for you:
- Reputation and experience – bigger brands have more to lose by scamming, so trust older sites.
- Range of games – more is often merrier when it comes to slots, while tables players should look for variety of blackjack, roulette and poker
- Bonus opportunities – bigger bonuses aren’t necessarily better, as they can be harder to wager. Look for ones with lower wagering requirements and reasonable time limits
- Payment options – the best sites have a mix of options, including ewallets, credit cards and vouchers
- Customer service options – live chat is best, followed by phone and then email/ticket system
These factors cover most things that you will need when playing online. One thing to note is that while some sites may have sports betting included, this is not legal for US players, so avoid these markets unless an alternative is clearly marked as virtual betting.
Best Online Casinos in UK for 2023 - Top British Casino SitesNew Online Casinos in St Thomas
It's natural to want to try out the newest site, especially when they often come with bigger and better promotions than existing sites. However, we advise caution when signing up to a new site, particularly if it allows players from the United States.
The reason for this is that unlicensed sites can operate without the usual security restrictions that licensed sites must adhere to. This means they could be harboring malicious software designed to steal your data. Worse still, they may take your deposits and simply shut down when they have enough from players around the globe.
By adding any new site to our to-do list, we first check that it is permitted to accept US players. Any site that doesn’t accept American Express isn’t worth considering. Next we run a quick safety check, looking to see if the site is secure with SSL encryption. Finally, we can begin the lengthy process of creating an account to test the site ourselves. This can take several weeks while we collect intel on the site. Once complete, the data is reviewed by our experts before a final decision is made on whether to recommend or not.
However, it’s not all about new sites. Well-established sites like the three listed above have stood the test of time and are tried and trusted by players. You might miss out on some new slot titles, but the game selections are otherwise comparable.
Popular Games and Reviews
Whichever site you opt for, there will be a huge selection of games to play. In fact, this is one of the biggest benefits of opting for online gaming over land based equivalents – choice. There are thousands of different casino games available online, with countless variations, themes and features.
Introducing you to all of these would take pages and pages, but we can give you a steer as to what’s popular. Online slots are the most widely played titles simply because of the vast array available and the low cost per spin. With progressive jackpots, you also have the chance to win huge sums of cash from just a single cent spin. Head to our guide to the for some recommendations.
If you’re missing the sports betting option, you can also play virtual sports at most sites. These simulated events let you bet on the outcome of horse racing, greyhounds, soccer, basketball and more. Again, these are simulations, so have more in common with sports betting than slots and table games, so be aware of this before you play.
Other popular games include video poker, scratchcards and bingo. You can also head to the live dealer games section for a more immersive way to play table games like blackjack, roulette and baccarat. At the tables you get to interact with the dealer and watch the action unfold via webcam. It’s a great bridge between playing online and in person at a place like the .
Free vs Real Money Games in St Thomas
Thanks to the ease with which you can play online, there’s every chance you could suddenly find yourself with a bit more downtime than expected. If you haven’t played online before, it’s well worth trying out some of the free versions of your favorite games. Not only does this let you familiarize yourself with the rules and settings, it also lets you enjoy some excitement without spending a dime. Alternatively, you may prefer to jump straight into the real money action.
Thankfully, all of our top ranked sites have plentiful supplies of . From classic slots through to innovative new titles, everything is up for grabs using fun tokens rather real money. This is the perfect way to extend your enjoyment of the games without having to spend any more. What’s more, if you ever decide to upgrade from fun play to real money bets, you can do so quickly and easily, with all of the excitement of the game intact.
Can you use Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Litecoin have revolutionized online payments since they first appeared almost two decades ago. Unlike traditional payment methods, all transactions made using cryptocurrencies are encrypted using advanced code to protect them. This makes them incredibly safe and virtually unhackable.
No Deposit Casino Bonuses UK 2023 - Top Free Spins OffersEach transaction is verified on a public ledger known as the blockchain. This creates transparency and removes the need for third party verification, making transactions swift and reliable. Best of all, there’s no central authority controlling the currency, removing the need for banks, which results in much lower fees for users. With more and more people beginning to adopt the technology, it’s little surprise that online casinos have begun accepting these payment types.
Good US-friendly casinos are now beginning to accept cryptocurrencies, among other payment options. Thanks to the popularity of Bitcoin in particular, it makes sense for sites to offer this. The anonymity that comes with the currency when used correctly means that you can keep your gaming activities private, which is appealing to some players. If you want to know more, head to our guide to the today.
Top Dealer Casino Apps
If you own a smartphone or tablet, you’ll be pleased to learn that you can play real money casino games absolutely anywhere. Provided you have an internet connection, you can open your favorite mobile casino and play slots, blackjack and other games whenever you feel like a flutter. In fact, many of the best sites are now mobile-first, meaning their platforms are built specifically to work on smaller screens. This results in intuitive, user-friendly platforms that put hundreds of games right at your fingertips.
But what about live dealer games? These are the antidote to playing traditional online RNG games, where a computer generates the result of the game. Live games connect you to a real dealer via webcam, allowing you to place your bets and watch the results unfold in real time. With HD quality streams available on your phone or tablet, there’s never been an easier way to experience live dealer games. Have a look at our guide to the for more information about the top apps and games available.
A Brief History of Gambling in St Thomas
Gambling in the Virgin Islands dates back to the Danish period. Plantation owners would hold regular lotteries to raise funds for various projects and expenses, including building schools. When the US took control following World War I, the practice continued, and has remained legal to this day. The Legislature of the Virgin Islands is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling on the island. There are no commercial casinos, instead the legislature has opted to award gambling licenses to resorts that already exist. As a result, there is just the Hawkestone Hotel and Casino, which offers both lodgings and gaming facilities.
It was awarded its license to provide limited bank gaming back in 1990. This was later amended to allow all forms of legal gambling, including bingo, instant keno, slot machines, table games and poker. The minimum gambling age in the territory is 21, although this can be raised by individual licensees. The Virgin Islands Lottery also falls under the remit of the Legislature and is exempt from the gambling license requirement. Instant games have been sold since 1984, with lotto draws introduced in 1996. Scratchcards remain the most popular form of play, accounting for around 85% of all sales. Draw games are available twice a week and there’s even a rooftop viewing party held every draw night at government house. Tickets are valid anywhere in the territory, so you don’t have to wait to return home to mainland USA to claim any prizes.
The Division of Gaming within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor oversees all gaming operations on the island. This includes licensing, regulation and monitoring of all gaming activities along with the collection of revenue and taxes generated. Taxes are levied on gross revenues earned from all gaming sources, excluding the lottery.
For the year ending September 30th 2019, there were thirteen active licenses issued. Nine of these were associated with bingo and / or instant keno, with two for machine route operations and one for an establishment offering non-machine electronic games of chance. Between them, these establishments generated just under $3 million in gross revenues. Around half a million dollars in taxes were collected, with the majority going to the General Fund, with smaller amounts allocated to the Gaming Control Fund, the Problem Gambling Trust Fund and the Lottery for the Blind and Handicapped.
Things to Do in St Thomas when you Want to Do Something Else
With average temperatures of around 26°C all year round and sunshine almost every day, it’s unlikely you’ll want to stop playing to do anything else. However, if you need to cool off, there’s plenty to do on the island. Being located in the Caribbean, the waters around St.Thomas are perfect for water sports, including snorkeling, diving, sailing and fishing. Magens Bay is considered one of the best beaches in the world and is a must-visit location.
Alternatively, head inland to explore the lush green forests and mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails to help you burn off that pre-dinner snacks, or take it easy with a jeep tour. Blackbeard’s Castle and Fort Christian Museum are also worth a visit, along with the nine historic sites that make up Black History Trail.
Conclusion
St.Thomas may be a small island, but it packs a punch when it comes to places to visit and things to see. Luckily, the limited land based casino options are balanced out by the wealth of options available online. No matter what type of game you want to play or device you plan on using, our recommended sites offer a warm welcome to players in St.Thomas. Sign up today to grab a bonus and start playing.
Has online gambling been legalized in St Thomas?
Yes, online gambling is not specifically mentioned in St.Thomas gambling legislation, but the law does state that “Gambling means ... but does not include the transmission or receipt of a wire communication ... that is incident to such activities occurring wholly within a single locality”. This means that as long as you are in St.Thomas when you play, you can access international or mainland US sites safely and legally.
Amazing Online Casinos Like Parx That You Can Play In 2023Where are the best casinos in St Thomas?
Currently there is just one land based casino on the island, the Hawkestone Hotel & Casino. However, there are numerous places to play bingo, instant keno, video poker and video Keno. These are spread across fifty different locations, including bars and clubs, so you are never far away from a flutter. Check out our list of licensed venues on the .
Does St.Thomas have sports betting?
There is no specific reference to sports betting in St.Thomas gambling legislation, however, sports betting is referenced, indicating that it is legal. Furthermore, there are licensed venues where video instant keno can be played. Video instant keno operates on the same principles as sports betting, with players selecting their numbers and outcomes, then receiving immediate payouts. There are no specific details about remote sports betting, but as it falls under the umbrella of instant keno, it’s possible that reputable sites are accessible from St.Thomas.
Are there any slot machines in St. Thomas?
Slots can be found at the various licensed route operations and video instant keno establishments. These are called fruit machines when they have three reels, and video machines when they have five reels or more. Some locations also offer multi-game machines that feature a combination of games, including blackjack and roulette, as well as slots. There is no limit on the density of machines per location, but no more than twenty-five machines are permitted per owner.
Can I play poker in St Thomas?
Poker is mentioned in the definition of banking games, which means it is legal to play. Both RNG and live dealer poker can be found at Hawkestone Hotel & Casino. Alternatively, if you’re visiting one of the forty-two licensed route operations, you may also be able to find video poker and / or multi-game machines featuring the game. Remember, you must be 21 or over to play poker in St.Thomas.
Tips for Playing Online in St Thomas
- Safe and Secure: Make sure the casino you’re thinking of joining holds a legitimate license and has SSL encryption.
- Banking: Check that the casino accepts USD and offers your preferred payment method. Look for a range of options, including credit and debit cards, ewallets and prepaid cards.
- Bonuses: Don’t be fooled into thinking bigger bonuses are always better. Restrictions on wagering the bonus can mean it’s almost impossible to clear the full amount. Smaller bonuses usually have more relaxed terms.
- Game Selection: The best casinos have huge selections of slots, including older classics as well as the latest releases. There should also be a solid range of table games, including live dealer options.
- Mobile Friendly: More and more of us have smartphones in our pockets, making mobile gaming the future. The top casinos have apps that are compatible with iOS and Android devices, as well as Blackberry and Windows phones.
More Localepages
When traveling to a new locale, why not get some more insights about it? Below, you’ll find what are currently the most complete lifestyle guides, including information about casinos, things to see and do and many more tailored articles. Bon voyage!
